D -- Rock Imager/Matrix Maker, Information Technology Services

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation/notice of intent for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the onlysolicitation; quotes are not being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This requirement is being issued as a Notice of Intent under NOI6094. This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 05-12. This acquisition will be processed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and is a small business set-aside. The switching to any other contractor other than Formulatrix Inc. would result in significant time delay of research and additional cost to the government. Project numbers and titles: Z01-AI-005022 Neutralization Mechanisma of Anti-HIV-1 Monoclonal Antibodies, Z01-AI-005023 Mechanisms of Humoral Evasion, Z01-AI-005024 Design of Immunogens. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 511210 and the Small Business Size Standard is $23.0. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) intends to procure an imaging system to fully integrate with the existing robotic systems to result in only one interface for the users. The NIAID requires an imaging system which can image crystallization setups in a manner which is quick, clean, maintain consistent temperature, generate a composite image of the droplet across the z axis and all without disturbing the droplets. The goal of our lab is with the use of atomic structure to design a vaccine against HIV. This involves the purification, crystallization and structure determination of various proteins. It is of the utmost important that the imaging robot be fully integrated with the existing system. This involves the ability to use the sequel server platform on the imaging system. The NIAID requires the capability to track droplet history for each droplet in each crystallization try. The customization will facilitate the tracking of each crystallization droplet, along with solutions in the droplet and date of crystallization. The RockImager 182 has the capabilities to efficiently image the crystallization trials and to cross reference the many crystallization conditions with each droplet. This robotic system will interface with existing RockImager 182 robotic systems. This integrated crystallization system will create screens, setup droplets and image them. For each droplet, the system will track its history using the RockImager 182 software. The RockImager 182 has specific unique properties which make it ideal for research i.e. drop location, multi capture, extended focus imaging, auto focus, custom scheduling, peltier heat exchanger, 5MP color CCD camera, built in bar scanner and plate capacity of 182 trays. The FOB Point shall be Destination, Bethesda, MD 20892. The government will award a firm fixed price purchase order to the responsible contractor. All responses will be considered by the agency. FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items; Offerors must include with their offer a completed copy of the Provision FAR 52.212.3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items; FAR 52.212.4 Contract Terms and Conditions of Commercial Items; FAR 52.212.5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes of Executive Orders- Commercial Items. To be considered for an award, offeror must have completed the online electronic Representations and Certifications located at http://orca.bpn.gov/. By submission of an offer, the offeror acknowledges the requirement that a prospective awardee shall be registered in the CCR at: www.ccrgov/ prior to award during performance, and through final payment of any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchasing agreement resulting from this solicitation. Copies of the aforementioned clauses are available upon request by telephone to Ms. Sheila Watterson at (301) 402-2282. All responsible sources may submit offer that will be considered by this Agency. Offers must be submitted no later than 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time on February 20, 2007. For delivery through the Postal Service, the address is NIH/NIAID/AMOB, 10401 Fernwood Drive Room 2NE38B, Bethesda, Maryland 20817-4811. Electronic transmission will not be accepted. Request for information concerning this requirement are to be addressed to Ms. Sheila Watterson at (301) 402-2282. Collect calls will not be accepted.